If one production is any indication, Santa Rosa Junior College’s Summer Repertory Theatre is about to have another rousing season.

SRT kicked off its 43rd year on June 20 with five productions, 30-plus college actors from around the country and an even larger production crew. This week the season jumps into higher gear with two shows a night. Two of the plays are showing in SRJC’s smaller Newman Auditorium, while the other three are in the main Burbank Auditorium (thus, the theatre’s motto of “Broadway in Burbank.”)

Over the decades SRT has maintained a reputation for solid productions and super-talented cast members.

That proved the case again Thursday in that night’s retelling of “La Cage aux Folles.” The production of a gay nightclub owner trying to hide his partner and his occupation from his son’s prospective in-laws featured high-energy dance numbers and strong voices. Among the standouts were Tyler Leahy, Barrett Riggins, John Cardoza, Marina Kondo and Diego Klock-Perez.

Part of the fun for the audience is watching cast members perform multiple roles in the summer’s offerings. And this year half the actors appear to come from just three institutions: the University of Michigan, Boston Conservatory and Oklahoma City University.

About This Blog

Robert Digitale is a staff writer for The Press Democrat and the author of the fantasy novel, Horse Stalker, which the North Bay Bohemian calls “a magical adventure.” Contact him at robert@digitalestories.com.